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■ Editor’s note: This is one in a series of feature stories on the events to be held during Imperial’s 125th birthday celebration this summer, July 2-4, 2010.

By Jan SchultzThe Imperial Republican Memories are what make birthdays and anniversaries special. Members of Imperial’s 125th celebration committee are hoping great new memories will be fostered at this summer’s event, especially through the carriage rides and family photos to be offered. Judy Brandt of Imperial and daughters, Shelbi and Skye, will be offering carriage rides on Saturday, July 3, amidst many of the other events on the 125th celebration schedule. The Brandts will be bringing their vintage carriage to town for the activities that day, the same one the Brandts use for special wedding transportation and in the Chase County Fair parades. She’s owned the carriage about five years. It is a reproduction of carriages from the early 1900’s, she believes. A friend acquired it at an auction. She said it’s a very accommodating carriage, and is easy to get in and out of, so people of all ages will be able to enjoy the rides. Pulling the carriage will be the family’s two Welsh ponies, Big Boy and Hollywood. She said the ponies are popular with the youngsters in town, many of whom call out to them by name. Details are still being worked out, but Brandt indicated she will likely have the carriage at the fairgrounds for rides Saturday morning during the Wild Horse Ministries program there, then move to the downtown Imperial area in the afternoon where many other events will be taking place. There will be a minimal charge for the carriage rides for adults and children. Children five and under will be free with an adult. Ann Miller of Imperial, who owns and operates Pages of Time by Ann, will also be on the scene for much of Saturday offering photos for families, individuals and small groups. She is making plans to coordinate with Brandt so pictures can be taken with the carriage. Miller will also be utilizing her husband Merl’s 1929 Model A Ford as another option for photos with an old-time look. More details on the carriage rides and photos will be available as the July 4 weekend nears.